Today we talk about a food expression using something most cultures have – bread . The French have the baguette and Italians have ciabatta . Scandinavian countries often eat heavy , dark breads . And people throughout South America may eat deep fried breads . Some people like to dip their bread into olive oil . Some like to spread chocolate on top . But one of the best things to put on bread -- especially if it is warm from the oven -- is butter ! Bread and butter is a classic combination . But “bread and butter ” also means something almost as comforting : a way to make money ! Some word experts say the phrase “bread and butter ” began in Europe and England during the Middle Ages . At that time , many peasants could only afford bread and butter as their entire meal . Or they would eat it with soup . So , bread and butter was a food staple . And that is what the expression “bread and butter ” meant for many years – a basic item for life . After you got your bread and butter , you could then purchase more items for your household . Then around the 1600s , the meaning changed . People began using it to mean the way they earned a living , or their livelihood . So , that is the origin . Here is how you can use it . Let's say you really like to write and perform songs . But you do not make enough money doing those things to pay for your housing , groceries and other expenses . So you get a job as a website designer . If someone asks what you do , you could say , “Well , I'm a musician . In other words , designing websites pays your bills . Making music … does not . So , you count on web design for your “bread and butter .” For some people , it is important to have a stable bread-and-butter job . They get nervous if they do not have a steady paycheck coming in . Being a doctor is a good bread-and-butter job . If you are an import-export specialist , you could say business and trade are your bread and butter . Now , if you really like your job and it pays well , you probably want to keep it . And if you work for someone else , you probably want to keep them happy . In other words , you should know which side your bread is buttered on . “To know which side your bread is buttered on ” means you are aware of the people who can help you . But this expression has a bad feel to it . It means being unusually aware of how others can help you . Now , let's hear two friends use some of these expressions in a short conversation . Hey , do you want to go to the football game this afternoon ? I have to help my girlfriend's dad paint his garage . He may be able to help me get a job at his software company . Well , it's always good to know which side your bread is buttered on . Do you have to make it sound that way ? Which way is that ? Like I'm scheming or plotting or something like that . I'm just saying you're being smart . If he can help you , it's a good idea to help him . And don't forget – I'm the breadwinner for my mom and two brothers . So , I'm lucky to know someone who is so connected in the business . Well , just make sure you stay on his daughter's good side too . If you guys break up , you might find yourself on the breadline . Let's change the subject ! I hope you have enjoyed learning about these bread expressions . The story editor , Kelly Jean Kelly , liked it . She said it was the best thing since sliced bread ! When bakers started slicing bread it made it easier to eat . So , when something is very good we can say it is the best thing since sliced bread . This was a very nice thing for Kelly to say even if it was a great exaggeration !